Beck had an unquestionably meteoric rise during his 2.5 years on Fox News. He generated an avid fanbase — many of whom turned out in full force at his August 2010 rally in Washington, D.C. — and an equally avid group of critics, including Comedy Central's Jon Stewart, who occasionally mimicked Beck's chalkboard segments.

For casual observers, he built a reputation for outrageous moments that made him as much of a household name as anyone in cable news.

He will continue his radio show, maintain his website The Blaze, and begin a new online video venture called GBTV. Though Beck's future is uncertain, the elements are in place for his fan following to outlast his Fox News program. Writing in the St. Petersburg Times, Eric Deggans says:

Like MSNBC's Keith Olbermann and Oprah Winfrey, Beck is counting on his fans to grant him the autonomy to say and do what he wants in media. By leaving the Fox News show, he moves his work to outlets he controls completely, including his website, the Blaze, his syndicated radio show, his books, the public speaking tours and GBTV. Beck is betting his brand is big enough to feed fans into that media network alone, free from interference by corporate bosses or critical outsiders.

But will Beck's fans open their wallets to continue watching him? The Associated Press reports that GBTV will cost $9.95 per month, or $4.95 for viewers who just want Beck's daily show.